Storage media of media processing apparatus, image forming system and media processing program

Abstract

This invention relates to a media processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a storage medium for a storage media processing program. It can automatically select between needle binding and crimp binding processes based on the number of sheets bound, and further controls whether liquid application is performed during crimp binding. It includes: a liquid application unit that applies liquid at a liquid application position on at least one sheet of media; a crimping unit that applies pressure to at least a portion of multiple media, including at least one sheet of media with liquid applied, by the liquid application unit to bind them; a needle binding unit that performs needle binding on a bundle of media consisting of multiple media; and a control unit that controls the operation of the crimping unit, the liquid application unit, and the needle binding unit. The control unit selectively switches between a first binding process performed by the liquid application unit and the crimping unit, and a second binding process performed only by the needle binding unit, based on information about the media or the binding position of the media bundle bound by the crimping unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a storage medium storing a media processing program. Background Technology

[0002] Media processing apparatuses are known for forming stacks (sheet bundles) of paper as sheet media. In the binding process performed in the media processing apparatus to form sheet bundles, there are known "stitched binding processes" using metal staples, and "stitchless binding processes" that do not use metal staples from the viewpoint of saving resources and reducing environmental impact. Stitchless binding processes include a crimping section capable of "crimping" by clamping the sheet bundle with concave and convex binding teeth and applying pressure to deform it. Furthermore, paper is a known example of a sheet-like medium. Therefore, in this specification, when describing sheet bundles, an example is a "paper bundle" formed by stacking paper as a multi-page medium.

[0003] In addition, in this manual, "stitched binding process" is sometimes abbreviated as "stitched binding process" and "stitchless binding process" is abbreviated as "crimp binding process".

[0004] In a sheet processing apparatus capable of selectively performing needle binding and crimping processes, the disclosed technology is to automatically switch the binding method to perform needle binding when the number of sheets that can be bound by crimping exceeds the limit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-216227 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In conventional crimping processes as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the more sheets of paper forming the paper bundle, the more difficult it is for the binding teeth to engage with the paper bundle, making it difficult to maintain the binding state due to paper peeling off the bundle after the binding process. Therefore, a known technique is to add water to the area of ​​the paper that the binding teeth will contact and press before crimping, making it easier for the binding teeth to engage with the paper bundle. However, a technique that allows for the selection of both needle binding and crimping processes and can perform the water application process during crimping is not known.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a media processing apparatus that can automatically select needle binding processing and crimping binding processing according to the number of bound sheets, and further control whether liquid application processing can be performed in the crimping binding processing.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing apparatus comprising a first binding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms a portion of a paper bundle Pb, which is a bundle of sheet-like media, for binding; a second binding processing unit that performs needle binding on a portion of the paper bundle Pb, which is a bundle of sheet-like media, using needles; and a control unit that controls the operation of the first binding processing unit and the second binding processing unit. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the first binding processing unit has a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to a portion of the loaded media, i.e., the pressurized and deformed portion, before binding; and the control unit switches between the liquid-supplying press-fit binding process performed by the first binding processing unit and the needle binding process performed by the second binding processing unit based on the number of sheets of media constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically select needle binding process and crimping binding process based on the number of bound sheets, and to control whether liquid application process can be performed in crimping binding process. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall configuration of the image forming system.

[0011] Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal structure of a post-processing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 The diagram shows the first binding processing unit as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0013] Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of the first binding processing section as seen from the liquid supply section side in the main scanning direction.

[0014] Figure 5 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the structure of the crimping part.

[0015] Figure 6 The diagram shows the second binding processing unit as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0016] Figure 7 The diagram shows the hardware configuration of a control module that controls the operation of a post-processing device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 The figure shown is a modified example of the first binding processing unit.

[0018] Figure 9 Figures (A) to (C) show the liquid-applying crimping portion involved in a modified example of the first binding processing unit.

[0019] Figure 10Figures (A) to (C) show the liquid application action and crimping action of the liquid application crimping part.

[0020] Figure 11 The diagram shows a flowchart of a binding process that can automatically switch between the first binding process and the second binding process.

[0021] Figure 12 The diagram shows the flowchart for the second binding process.

[0022] Figure 13 Figures (A) and (B) show the locations of the binding processes in the second binding process.

[0023] Figure 14 The diagram shows the flowchart for the first binding process.

[0024] Figure 15 Figures (A) to (C) show the locations of the binding processing units in the first binding process.

[0025] Figure 16 The flowchart shown is a binding process that can automatically switch between the first binding process and the second binding process based on the user's selection.

[0026] Figure 17 (A) and (B) are shown as Figure 16 Example of a settings screen during the binding process.

[0027] Figure 18 The diagram shows a flowchart of a binding process that automatically switches between the first binding process and the second binding process based on the remaining amount of liquid available for liquid application.

[0028] Figure 19 The image shown is... Figure 18 The flowchart shows the binding process that can switch to a second binding process based on the remaining liquid level.

[0029] Figure 20 What is shown is Figure 19 Example of a settings screen during the binding process.

[0030] Figure 21 The diagram shows a flowchart of a binding process that can automatically switch between the first binding process, the second binding process, and the third binding process.

[0031] Figure 22 The image shown is an example of the screen setting for the maximum number of sheets to be bound in the first and third binding processes.

[0032] Figure 23 The flowchart shown is a binding process that can automatically switch between the first binding process and the second binding process based on the user's selection.

[0033] Figure 24 What is shown is Figure 23 Example of a settings screen during the binding process.

[0034] Figure 25 The image shows an example of the first threshold A in the liquid-imposed crimping binding process.

[0035] Figure 26 The image shows an example of the second threshold B in the crimping binding process.

[0036] Figure 27 The diagram shown is an internal structure diagram of the post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 28 Figures (A) to (C) show the internal tray of the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of the paper.

[0038] Figure 29 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the crimping portion according to the second embodiment, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0039] Figure 30 Figures (A) and (B) show the liquid supply section according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of the paper.

[0040] Figure 31 (A) to (C) are shown Figure 30 XXV-XXV sectional view.

[0041] Figure 32 (A) to (C) are shown Figure 30 sectional views of XXVI-XXVI.

[0042] Figure 33 The diagram shows the hardware configuration of the control module that controls the operation of the post-processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 34 The diagram shown is a post-processing flowchart of the post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 35 The diagram shown is an overall configuration diagram of a variant example of an image forming system. Detailed Implementation

[0045] [First Implementation Method]

[0046] Hereinafter, the image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1The diagram shows the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has the function of forming an image on a sheet-like medium (paper P) and performing post-processing on the paper P with the image formed. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 1 is composed of an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing apparatus 3 (media processing apparatus) that serves as a media processing apparatus. Alternatively, if all the functions of the post-processing apparatus 3 can be included in the image forming apparatus 2, it can also be configured in this way.

[0047] Image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper P and discharges the paper P with the formed image to post-processing apparatus 3. Image forming apparatus 2 includes a tray containing the paper P, a conveying unit for conveying the paper P contained in the tray, and an image forming unit for forming the image on the paper P conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming unit can be either an inkjet type that uses ink to form the image or an electrophotographic type that uses toner to form the image. Since the configuration of image forming apparatus 2 is already known, detailed description is omitted.

[0048] [Internal structure of post-processing unit 3]

[0049] Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal structure of a post-processing apparatus 3 according to one embodiment. The post-processing apparatus 3 performs post-processing on paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process for binding a paper bundle (hereinafter referred to as "paper bundle Pb"), which is a stack of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed, i.e., a medium bundle. More specifically, the binding process according to this embodiment includes a "stitching process" in which the paper bundle Pb is bound with staples; a "pressing binding process" in which the paper bundle Pb is deformed and bound by applying pressure at a binding position corresponding to a portion of the paper P without applying liquid; and a "liquid-applied press-fitting binding process" in which the paper bundle Pb is deformed and bound by applying pressure at a binding position after applying liquid. Additionally, it includes an end binding process in which the paper bundle Pb is bound along the end of any side; and a saddle-stitching process in which the paper bundle Pb is bound at its central portion.

[0050] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned "liquid-applied crimping binding process" will be referred to as the "first binding process", the above-mentioned "needle binding process" as the "second binding process" and the above-mentioned "creaming binding process" as the "third binding process".

[0051] The post-processing apparatus 3 includes a pair of transport rollers 10-19 serving as a post-processing transport section, and a switching claw 20 serving as a branch switching section for selectively switching the transport direction in the post-processing transport section. The transport rollers 10-19 transport paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 within the post-processing apparatus 3. More specifically, the transport rollers 10-13 transport paper P along a first transport path Ph1. The transport rollers 14-15 transport paper P along a second transport path Ph2. The transport rollers 16-19 transport paper P along a third transport path Ph3.

[0052] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper P supply port of the image forming apparatus 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pairs 11 and 14 in the transport direction and reaches the discharge tray 26 via the inner tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pairs 11 and 14 in the transport direction and reaches the discharge tray 30.

[0053] The switching claw 20 is positioned at the branch point of the first conveying path Ph1 and the second conveying path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to switch between a first position where paper P is discharged onto the discharge tray 21 via the first conveying path Ph1, and a second position where paper P conveyed via the first conveying path Ph1 is guided to the second conveying path Ph2. Furthermore, when the rear end of paper P entering the second conveying path Ph2 passes the conveyor roller pair 11, the paper P is guided to the third conveying path Ph3 by reversing the rotation of the conveyor roller pair 14. Additionally, the post-processing unit 3 includes multiple sensors for detecting the position of paper P on each of the conveying paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. Furthermore, a conveying sensor for detecting the position of paper P during conveying is included. Figure 2 The center is represented by a black triangle (▲).

[0054] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 holds the paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1. Paper P that has not been bound from the paper P supplied by the image forming device 2 is discharged into the discharge tray 21.

[0055] Additionally, the post-processing device 3 includes an internal tray 22 (tray), end baffles 23, side baffles 24L and 24R, a first binding processing unit 25, a second binding processing unit 55, and an discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, end baffles 23, side baffles 24L and 24R, and the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 perform end binding processing on a bundle of paper Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P that is conveyed from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The term "end binding processing" here includes "parallel binding processing" (see reference) which involves binding along one side of the paper bundle Pb parallel to the main scanning direction. Figure 13 , 12 The "oblique binding process" involves binding the corners of the paper bundle Pb, and the "vertical binding process" involves binding along one side of the paper bundle Pb that is parallel to the transport direction.

[0056] The paper bundle Pb, which has undergone end-binding processing, is discharged from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 onto the discharge tray 26. Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is conveyed from the conveyor roller pair 15 to the end baffle 23 is defined as the "conveyor direction". In addition, when referring to the "width of the paper (media)", it includes the length of the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and the conveyor direction of the paper P (main scanning direction), as well as the length of the paper P in the conveyor direction.

[0057] The inner tray 22 temporarily holds multiple sheets of paper P that are sequentially conveyed in the second conveying path Ph2. End baffles 23 align the position of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. Side baffles 24L and 24R align the position of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The first binding processing unit 25 binds the ends of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the end baffles 23 and the side baffles 24L and 24R. Then, the conveyor roller pair 15 discharges the paper bundle Pb, after end binding processing, to the discharge tray 26.

[0058] [Explanation of Liquid Imparting to the Press-fit Part]

[0059] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of the first binding processing unit 25, which is a liquid-applying and crimping unit for liquid application and crimping, as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the first binding processing unit 25 as seen from the side of the liquid application unit 31 in the main scanning direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid supply unit 31 for supplying liquid and a crimping unit 32 for crimping binding. The liquid supply unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0060] The liquid application unit 31 applies liquid (e.g., water) stored in the liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application").

[0061] Here, the liquid stored in the storage tank 43 used for "liquid impartation" is, more specifically, a liquid whose main component is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula H₂O. As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature is irrelevant; it can be warm or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it can also be purified water and may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content ranges from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water, regardless of hardness.

[0062] In addition to the main ingredients, additives can also be added. It may also contain residual chlorine used as tap water, and preferably includes colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and desiccant such as glycerin. Furthermore, inks used in inkjet printers and water-based pens also use water as a component, so they can also be used as "liquid-based" inks.

[0063] Not limited to those specifically listed here, even "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or ethanol solutions diluted for disinfection, can function, as long as it is used solely for its function as a crimping binding agent, readily available and manageable tap water is sufficient. Furthermore, as a liquid, using the water-based liquids exemplified above, compared to using liquids not primarily composed of water, can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb.

[0064] The liquid application unit 31 is configured such that it can move along the main scanning direction together with the crimping unit 32 via the driving force transmitted from the first binding processing unit's moving motor 50. The position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application unit 31 (the liquid application position) corresponds to the binding position where the crimping binding is to be performed. Therefore, the liquid application position and the binding position will be labeled with the same symbol in the following description.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid supply unit 31 includes a lower push plate 33, an upper push plate 34 (push mechanism), a liquid supply unit moving mechanism 35, and a liquid supply mechanism 36. The constituent parts of the liquid supply unit 31 (lower push plate 33, upper push plate 34, liquid supply unit moving mechanism 35, and liquid supply mechanism 36) are held by the liquid supply frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0066] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 from below. The lower pressure plate 33 is disposed on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be above the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 and is movable (lifting) in the thickness direction of the paper P. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 sandwich the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 and are disposed facing each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as "thickness direction") of the paper P or paper bundle Pb. Furthermore, in the upper pressure plate 34, a through-hole 34a extending in the thickness direction is formed at a position facing the front end of the liquid supply member 44 mounted on the base plate 40.

[0067] The liquid application section moving mechanism 35 causes the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application component 44 to move up and down in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. In this embodiment, the liquid application section moving mechanism 35 uses a single liquid application section moving motor 37 to move the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application component 44 in a linked manner. The liquid application section moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid application section moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar components 41a and 41b, and helical springs 42a and 42b.

[0068] The liquid supply unit moving motor 37 generates a driving force that moves the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid supply component 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends vertically and is supported by the liquid supply frame to allow rotation. Furthermore, the trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid supply unit moving motor 37 via a pulley or tire. The nut 39 is threaded into the trapezoidal thread 38. Then, when the driving force of the liquid supply unit moving motor 37 is transmitted, the nut 39 moves due to the rotation of the trapezoidal thread 38.

[0069] The base plate 40 is positioned above the upper push plate 34. Furthermore, the base plate 40 holds the liquid supply component 44 in a downward-protruding position. The base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal thread 38 and is configured to move along with the trapezoidal thread 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is then measured by a movement sensor 40a (see reference). Figure 7 (To detect)

[0070] The columnar components 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the front end of the liquid supply component 44. Furthermore, the columnar components 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. Further, the columnar components 41a and 41b hold the upper push plate 34 at their lower ends. Additionally, a detachment prevention member is provided at the upper end of the columnar components 41a and 41b to prevent them from detaching from the base plate 40. Coil springs 42a and 42b are inserted externally into the columnar components 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper push plate 34. Moreover, the coil springs 42a and 42b exert downward force on the upper push plate 34 and the columnar components 41a and 41b relative to the base plate 40.

[0071] The liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb by contacting the front end of the liquid application member 44 with the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid application mechanism 36 includes a liquid reservoir 43, a liquid application member 44, a supply member 45, and a connector 46.

[0072] The liquid storage tank 43 stores the liquid used to supply paper P or paper bundle Pb. The amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 is measured by the liquid level sensor 43a (see reference). Figure 7 The liquid application component 44 applies liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid application component 44 is mounted on the base plate 40 with its front end facing downwards. In addition, the liquid application component 44 is made of a material with high liquid absorption (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0073] The supply component 45 is an elongated component whose bottom end is immersed in the liquid stored in the reservoir 43 and whose front end is connected to the liquid supply component 44. Furthermore, the supply component 45, for example, is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate, similar to the liquid supply component 44. Thus, liquid absorbed from the bottom end of the supply component 45 is supplied to the liquid supply component 44 through a capillary effect.

[0074] The protective component 45a is an elongated cylindrical body (e.g., a tube) inserted externally onto the supply component 45. This prevents leakage or evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the supply component 45. Furthermore, both the supply component 45 and the protective component 45a are formed of a flexible material. The connector 46 is used to fix the liquid supply component 44 to the base plate 40. Thus, even when the liquid supply component 44 is moved by the liquid supply moving mechanism 35, it is maintained in a state where it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 with its front end facing downward.

[0075] The crimping part 32 applies pressure and deformation to the paper bundle Pb using the concave and convex binding teeth 32a and 32b, thereby binding the paper bundle Pb. Hereinafter, the case where the paper bundle Pb is clamped and deformed by the binding teeth 32a and 32b is referred to as "crimping binding". That is, the crimping part 32 can bind the paper bundle Pb by crimping without using binding pins. The constituent parts of the crimping part 32 (binding teeth 32a (upper crimping teeth) and binding teeth 32b (lower crimping teeth)) are provided on the crimping frame 32c.

[0076] [The composition of binding teeth 32a and 32b]

[0077] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of the crimping part 32. Figure 5 As shown, the crimping part 32 has a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb so as to clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed in a concave-convex shape with alternating concave and convex portions. In addition, the concave and convex portions of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed in a staggered manner in a mutually engaging manner. Then, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are connected by a contact / separation motor 32d (see reference). Figure 7 The driving force is used to abut and separate.

[0078] During the process of feeding multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb into the inner tray 22, such as Figure 5 As shown in (A), a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are separated from each other. Then, when all the papers P constituting the paper bundle Pb are placed on the inner tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are driven by the contact / separation motor 32d, as... Figure 5 The paper bundle Pb is engaged as shown in (B) to apply pressure in the thickness direction and deform it. Thus, the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is crimped and bound. Furthermore, the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb is discharged to the discharge tray 26 via the conveyor roller pair 15.

[0079] Furthermore, as long as the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b that constitute the crimping mechanism engage, the crimping part 32 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it can be a crimping mechanism that uses a drive source and a linkage mechanism that rotates only forward or backward to perform the crimping and separating actions of a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167), or it can be a linear crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and separating actions of a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b linearly by converting the rotational motion of the drive source into linear motion.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the first binding processing unit 25 has a first moving mechanism 47. The first moving mechanism 47 moves the first binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid supply unit 31 and the pressing unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The first moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a first binding processing unit moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0081] The liquid supply part 31 and the pressing part 32 are mounted adjacent to each other on the base member 48 in the main scanning direction. A guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the guide shaft 49 holds the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The first binding processing unit movement motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the first binding processing unit 25.

[0082] The drive force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the drive force of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50 to the base component 48 via a pulley or synchronous belt. Thus, the base component 48, via the integrated liquid supply part 31 and pressing part 32, moves along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction. The position of the first binding processing unit 25 can be determined, for example, by an encoding sensor mounted on the output shaft of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50.

[0083] [Instructions for the needle binding department]

[0084] Next, the second binding processing unit 55, which is a needle binding unit, will be described in detail. Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the second binding processing unit 55 as seen from the upstream side in the transport direction. The second binding processing unit 55 includes a needle binding processing unit 62 that uses binding needles to bind the paper bundle Pb. (As shown...) Figure 13 As shown, the needle binding processing unit 62 is disposed on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction, and is separated from the first binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0085] The needle-binding processing unit 62 has a configuration that performs a so-called "needle-binding process" by using needles to bind the paper bundle Pb. More specifically, the needle-binding processing unit 62 has a needle-binding unit drive motor 62d that drives the needle-binding unit 62a (see reference). Figure 7 Then, the needle binding section 62a uses the driving force of the needle binding section drive motor 62d to cause the binding needles loaded in the needle binding section 62a to pass through the paper bundle Pb and bind the paper bundle Pb. Since the configuration of the needle binding processing section 62 is known, detailed description is omitted.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, the second binding processing unit 55 has a second moving mechanism 77. The second moving mechanism 77 moves the second binding processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The second moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a second binding processing unit moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The configuration of the second moving mechanism 77 is the same as that of the first moving mechanism 47, so a further description is omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 move the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 along the common guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction. Further, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 enable the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 to move independently.

[0088] Return to Figure 2 The post-processing unit 3 also includes a bottom baffle 27, a saddle-stitching unit 28, a folding board 29, and a discharge tray 30. The bottom baffle 27, the saddle-stitching unit 28, and the folding board 29 perform saddle-stitching processing on a bundle of paper Pb composed of paper P conveyed by the third conveying path Ph3. The bundle of paper Pb that has undergone saddle-stitching processing from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 is discharged into the discharge tray 30.

[0089] The bottom baffle 27 aligns the positions of the multiple sheets of paper P sequentially conveyed in the third conveying path Ph3 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the bottom baffle 27 is configured to move the center of the paper bundle Pb to a binding position facing the saddle-stitching unit 28 and a bending position facing the folding plate 29. The saddle-stitching unit 28 binds the center of the paper bundle Pb aligned with the bottom baffle 27 at the binding position. The folding plate 29 folds the paper bundle Pb placed on the bottom baffle 27 at the bending position and clamps it into the conveyor roller pair 18. The conveyor roller pair 18 and 19 discharge the saddle-stitched paper bundle Pb into the discharge tray 30.

[0090] [Control module of post-processing device 3]

[0091] Next, use Figure 7 The control module configuration of the control unit of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 The hardware configuration for performing control processing in post-processing unit 3 is illustrated. For example... Figure 7As shown, the post-processing device 3 is configured to have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 and I / F 105 connected via a common bus 109.

[0092] CPU 101 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of post-processing unit 3. RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and serves as the working area for CPU 101 when processing information. ROM 103 is a dedicated non-volatile storage medium for reading, storing programs such as firmware. HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium with a large capacity capable of reading and writing information, and stores OS (operating system), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0093] The post-processing unit 3 uses the computing capabilities of the CPU 101 to process control programs stored in the ROM 103 and information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing unit 3 forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing unit 3. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing unit 3.

[0094] I / F105 is an interface connecting the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid supply unit moving motor 37, the needle binding unit drive motor 62d, the first binding processing unit moving motor 50, the second binding processing unit moving motor 80, the movement sensor 40a, the liquid level sensor 43a, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid supply unit moving motor 37, the needle binding unit drive motor 62d, the first binding processing unit moving motor 50, and the second binding processing unit moving motor 80 via I / F105. Additionally, the controller 100 acquires detection results from the movement sensor 40a and the liquid level sensor 43a. Furthermore, in Figure 7 Only the components related to the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 that perform end binding processing are shown in the figure, but the components related to the saddle binding processing unit 28 that performs saddle binding processing are also controlled by the controller 100.

[0095] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 2 has an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user. The operation unit may include, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 then obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Furthermore, the specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display; it may also be an LED light or a speaker, etc. Additionally, the post-processing apparatus 3 may also have the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0096] The controller 100, acting as the control unit, performs binding processing, for example, based on binding processing execution instructions (hereinafter referred to as "binding processing instructions") acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. Binding processing instructions include, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the number of binding positions, and the position in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, in the following text, the number of sheets P in each stack of paper bundle Pb (the number of sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb) is denoted as "prescribed number N".

[0097] Then, the controller 100, based on the specified number of sheets N, the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb, and various setting information related to the binding process included in the binding process instruction, automatically switches between the first binding process unit 25 and the second binding process unit 55, and selectively executes the first binding process, the second binding process, and the third binding process, which will be described later. That is, the controller 100, as the control unit, is configured to automatically switch the type of binding process, the position of the binding process, and the number of binding processes based on information such as the number of sheets of paper P (media information), and can select the optimal binding process to perform the binding process on the paper bundle Pb.

[0098] Next, refer to Figures 8-10 The first binding processing unit 25', a modified example of the first binding processing unit 25, will be described below. The difference between this and the first binding processing unit 25 of the first embodiment is that the liquid supply unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are integrated. Furthermore, reference numerals are used for common constituent elements to the first binding processing unit 25 of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0099] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic of the first binding processing unit 25′ as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 9 (A) shows a perspective view of the liquid-imparting press-fit portion 310. Figure 9 (B) shows Figure 9 (A) is a cross-sectional view with the AA arrow pointing in the direction of the arrow. Figure 9 (C) shows the view from the side of the lower pressure tooth 32b. Figure 9 Top view of the upper pressure tooth 32a of (A). Figure 10Figures (A) to (C) show schematic diagrams of the liquid application and crimping action of the liquid application crimping part 310 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, the first binding processing unit 25' includes a liquid application and pressing part 310 that integrally forms the liquid application part 31 and the pressing part 32 of the first binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment. The liquid application and pressing part 310 is disposed on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0101] The liquid-applying crimping unit 310 applies liquid LQ stored in the liquid reservoir 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The liquid-applying crimping unit 310 is configured to move along the main scanning direction via a driving force transmitted from the first binding processing unit's moving motor 50. The liquid-applying crimping unit 310 includes an upper pressure plate 34, upper crimping teeth 32a, lower crimping teeth 32b, a liquid-applying crimping unit moving mechanism 350, and a liquid supply mechanism 360. Each component of the liquid-applying crimping unit 310 is held by the liquid-applying frame 31a and the base component 48.

[0102] The liquid-applying pressing section moving mechanism 350 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the upper pressing teeth 32a in a linked manner along the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb via an electric cylinder 370. The base plate 40 holds the upper pressing tooth holding member 32a1 and the upper pressing teeth 32a via a connector 46. In addition, the base plate 40 movably holds the upper pressing plate 34 via columnar members 41a and 41b. Then, the base plate 40 is mounted on the front end of the push rod 371 of the electric cylinder 370 via a connecting member 401.

[0103] The lower ends of the columnar components 41a and 41b hold the upper push plate 34. Additionally, coil springs 42a and 42b are inserted between the base plate 40 and the upper push plate 34 into the columnar components 41a and 41b. Furthermore, the coil springs 42a and 42b exert downward force on the upper push plate 34 and the columnar components 41a and 41b relative to the base plate 40.

[0104] The liquid supply mechanism 360 includes a liquid storage tank 43, a supply pump 431, and a supply component 45. For example... Figure 9 As shown in (A), the supply pump 431 supplies liquid LQ to the liquid collection section 320 provided in the upper pressure tooth retaining member 32a1 via the supply component 45. The bottom end of the supply component 45 is connected to the supply pump 431, and the front end is connected to the liquid collection section 320. It is composed of a long strip with telescopic structure.

[0105] like Figure 9As shown in (B), the upper crimping tooth 32a is integrally disposed in the upper crimping tooth retaining member 32a1. The upper crimping tooth retaining member 32a1 then includes a liquid accumulation portion 320 and a liquid supply path 321 for supplying liquid LQ accumulated in the liquid accumulation portion 320 to the upper crimping tooth 32a. Furthermore, the surface of the upper crimping tooth 32a is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, so that the liquid LQ supplied from the liquid supply path 321 is uniformly distributed across the surface of the upper crimping tooth 32a. On the other hand, the portion of the upper crimping tooth retaining member 32a1 other than the upper crimping tooth 32a is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, so that the liquid LQ is effectively distributed across the surface of the upper crimping tooth 32a.

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, the pressing tooth 32b is integrally disposed on the pressing tooth retaining member 32b1 and is mounted on the base member 48 via the pressing tooth retaining member 32b1.

[0107] Next, use Figure 10 The liquid application operation and crimping / binding operation of the liquid application crimping unit 310 will be explained. During the process of the paper P being supplied to the inner tray 22, as... Figure 10 As shown in (A), the upper pressure tooth 32a and the lower pressure tooth 32b are separate. Then, when the paper P is placed onto the inner tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 retracts to move the upper pressure tooth 32a and the upper push plate 34 toward the paper P. In this way, as... Figure 10 As shown in (B), the upper pressing plate 34 initially abuts against the paper P, and then the upper pressing teeth 32a abut against the paper P through the through-hole 34a of the upper pressing plate 34. At this time, since the liquid LQ is distributed on the surface of the upper pressing teeth 32a, liquid is applied to the liquid application position of the paper P by making the upper pressing teeth 32a abut against the paper P. Then, when the liquid application to the liquid application position ends, the electric cylinder 370 extends, causing the upper pressing teeth 32a and the upper pressing plate 34 to separate from the paper P. The contact separation operation (liquid application operation) of the upper pressing teeth 32a and the upper pressing plate 34 against the paper P described above is repeatedly performed on the paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0108] Then, after the paper bundle Pb, consisting of a specified number of sheets of paper P, is placed onto the inner tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is further retracted, causing the upper pressing tooth 32a to move towards the lower pressing tooth 32b. In this way, as... Figure 10 As shown in (C), when the paper bundle Pb is sandwiched between the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b, the upper crimping tooth 32a moves further to the lower crimping tooth 32b, and the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b apply pressure to the paper bundle Pb to deform it, thereby crimping and binding the paper bundle Pb (crimping and binding action).

[0109] [First embodiment of the processing flow of the media handling program in the storage medium]

[0110] Next, use Figure 11 The following flowchart illustrates a first embodiment of the binding process executed by the media processing program in the storage medium according to the present invention. The various processing functions described in the following flowchart are implemented by executing the media processing program in the storage medium within the controller 100.

[0111] First, the image forming system 1 begins operation via user command. In this operation start command, the user arbitrarily sets the binding process content for a bundle Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P that have completed image formation, ejected from the image forming apparatus 2, via the operation panel 110. Therefore, the controller 100 first acquires a binding process command (S801) containing information indicating the binding process content set by the user on the operation panel 110. The binding process command acquired in S801 includes a "prescribed number N" (number of sheets N) of paper P in each bundle of paper bundle Pb, the thickness of paper P (paper thickness), the type of paper P (paper type), such as plain paper or coated paper, the binding position of the paper bundle Pb (binding position), and the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb to be bound.

[0112] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the specified number of sheets N obtained in S801 is greater than a preset first threshold A (S802). The first threshold A is a parameter representing the upper limit of the number of sheets of paper P that can be bound by liquid-applied crimping binding. That is, when the specified number of sheets N is greater than the first threshold A, it is equivalent to a situation where liquid-applied crimping binding cannot be performed, or even if crimping binding is performed, it is difficult to maintain the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb. In this case, needle binding is preferred.

[0113] For example, in a liquid-applied crimping binding process where the crimping is performed after liquid application, if the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is 15 (first threshold A), it is determined whether the specified number of sheets N is 16 or more. Furthermore, the maximum number of sheets is set as an initial value. Then, as described later, this initial value can be arbitrarily set by the user via the operation panel 110, and can be appropriately changed according to the number of sheets that can be crimped in the first binding processing unit 25.

[0114] Furthermore, the first threshold A can also be set with multiple automatically adjusting thresholds based on information such as paper thickness, paper type, and binding position specified in the binding processing instructions. For example, ... Figure 25 As shown, when the paper type information is "not set (other than coated paper)", the first threshold A1 for the maximum number of sheets to be applied to the crimping binding process as liquid is set to "15 sheets, 10 sheets, and 5 sheets" respectively, based on the paper thickness information "ordinary paper, medium-thick paper, and thick paper", and it is determined whether the specified number of sheets N is greater than the first threshold A1.

[0115] In addition, when the paper type information is "coated paper", the first threshold A2, which is the maximum number of sheets to be applied to the crimping binding process by liquid, is set to "5 sheets, 0 sheets" based on the paper thickness information "medium-thick paper, thick paper", and it is determined whether the specified number of sheets N is greater than the first threshold A2.

[0116] Furthermore, in the case where the paper type information is "not set (other than coated paper)" and the corners of the paper bundle Pb are bound at an angle, the corners are set in the same manner as described above. Figure 25 The first threshold A1 shown is the same as in the case of "not set (except for coated paper)" ("15 sheets, 10 sheets, and 5 sheets"). Furthermore, when the paper type information is "not set (except for coated paper)" and the paper is bound at multiple points along any side of the paper bundle Pb (i.e., two-point binding, etc.), the value obtained by multiplying the first threshold A1 by a coefficient of 0.8 ("12 sheets, 8 sheets, and 4 sheets") can be set as the first threshold A3. Additionally, for the case where the paper type information is "coated paper," the first threshold A2 can be adjusted according to the type of binding position, similar to the case where the paper type information is "not set (except for coated paper)".

[0117] When the specified number of sheets N is greater than the first threshold A (S802: Yes), the controller 100 determines that it is a number of sheets that are difficult to bind in the liquid-applied crimping binding process, and performs needle binding process (S803). Details of the needle binding process will be described later.

[0118] When the specified number of sheets N is not greater than the first threshold A (S802: No), the controller 100 determines that the paper bundle Pb can be bound by liquid-applied crimping binding process. Then, based on the output of the liquid level sensor 43a, the controller 100 determines whether the remaining liquid level in the liquid reservoir 43 is sufficient compared to the liquid level required for liquid application (S804). Here, "the liquid level required for liquid application processing" refers to the liquid level calculated by multiplying the predetermined liquid level consumed for each sheet P during liquid-applied crimping binding of the specified number of sheets Pb by the predetermined number of sheets to be liquid-applied in the specified number of sheets Pb.

[0119] Next, when the controller 100 determines that the remaining liquid amount is sufficient for applying liquid to the specified number of sheets N (S804: Yes), it determines whether there is an abnormality in the liquid application unit 31 (S805). Here, an abnormality in the liquid application unit 31 could include, for example, a malfunction in the liquid application unit movement motor 37. Then, when the controller 100 determines that there is no abnormality in the liquid application unit 31 (S805: Yes), it performs the liquid application crimping and binding process (S806). Details of the liquid application crimping and binding process will be described later.

[0120] On the other hand, when the controller 100 determines that there is an abnormality in the liquid application unit 31 (S805: No), it executes needle binding processing (S803). Additionally, when the controller 100 determines that there is an abnormality in the liquid application unit 31, it can also display a pop-up message on the operation panel 110 to notify the user that it has switched to needle binding processing due to a malfunction in the liquid application unit. Furthermore, when the controller 100 determines that the remaining liquid amount is not sufficient for applying liquid to the specified number of sheets N (S804: No), even if the specified number of sheets N is less than the first threshold A, the controller 100 determines that it is difficult to bind using liquid application crimping binding processing and executes needle binding processing (S803). Additionally, in S804, when it is determined that the remaining liquid amount is not sufficient for applying liquid to the specified number of sheets N, the controller 100 can also display a pop-up message on the operation panel 110 to notify the user that it has switched to needle binding processing due to insufficient liquid.

[0121] By using the controller 100, which functions as a liquid level detection unit, and the liquid level sensor 43a, when the remaining liquid level is insufficient relative to the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the liquid-applied crimping binding process is avoided, and an executable binding process is performed.

[0122] [Detailed needle binding process (S803) (Second binding process)]

[0123] Next, the needle binding process (S803) will be described in detail. Figure 12 The diagram shows a flowchart of the needle binding process. Figure 13 The diagram shows the positions of the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 in the needle binding process. First, at the start of the binding process, the controller 100 drives the first binding processing unit movement motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 to the first standby position HP1, and simultaneously drives the second binding processing unit movement motor 80 to move the second binding processing unit 55 to the second standby position HP2 (S901). Figure 13 As shown in (A), the first standby position HP1 and the second standby position HP2 are located at opposite ends of the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0124] Next, the controller 100 rotates the transport rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, which serve as the post-processing transport unit, to place the paper P, whose image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, onto the inner tray 22 (S902). Furthermore, the controller 100 performs an alignment process by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R to align the positions of the paper P and the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0125] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the specified number N as instructed by the binding processing command (S903). Then, based on the result that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the specified number N (S903: No), the controller 100 executes step S902 again. That is, the controller 100 executes step S902 each time the sheet P is conveyed to the inner tray 22 by the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0126] Then, the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N (S903: Yes), such as Figure 13 As shown in (B), the second binding processing unit moving motor 80 is driven to move the second binding processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction so that the needle binding processing unit 62 faces the binding position B1 (S904).

[0127] Next, the controller 100 performs a pinning process on the paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 and discharges it onto the discharge tray 26 (S905). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor 32d and uses the pinning needle to pin the paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 at the pinning position B1.

[0128] Then, the controller 100 drives the second binding processing unit moving motor 80, such as... Figure 13 As shown in (A), the second binding processing unit 55 is moved to the second standby position HP2 (S906).

[0129] As described above, when the number of bound sheets is not suitable for liquid-applied crimping binding, the needle binding process of S803 is performed.

[0130] [Detailed liquid-injected crimping binding process (S805) (First binding process)]

[0131] Next, the liquid-applied crimping process (S805) will be described in detail. Figure 14 The diagram shows a flowchart of the liquid-applied crimping and binding process. Figure 15The diagram shows the positions of the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55 in the liquid-applied crimping binding process. First, at the start of the binding process, the controller 100 drives the first binding processing unit movement motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 to a first standby position HP1, and simultaneously drives the second binding processing unit movement motor 80 to move the second binding processing unit 55 to a second standby position HP2 (S1101). Figure 15 As shown in (A), the first standby position HP1 and the second standby position HP2 are located at opposite ends of the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0132] Next, as Figure 15 As shown in (B), the controller 100 moves the first binding processing unit 25 along the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid application position B1) of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 (S1102).

[0133] Then, the controller 100 rotates the transport rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, which serve as the post-processing transport unit, to place the paper P, whose image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, onto the inner tray 22 (S1103). Additionally, the controller 100 performs an alignment process (S1103) by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R to align the positions of the paper P and the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0134] Next, the controller 100 causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the binding position B1 of the paper P (S1104). That is, the controller 100 drives the liquid application unit moving motor 37 so that the liquid application component 44 contacts the binding position B1 of the paper P placed in the inner tray 22.

[0135] As described above, before the paper P is placed on the inner tray 22, the controller 100 moves the first binding processing unit 25 along the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the binding position B1 of the paper P. With this control, it is not necessary to reciprocate the first processing unit between the first standby position HP1 and the binding position B1 whenever the paper P is placed on the inner tray 22. As a result, the productivity of the liquid application crimping binding process can be improved.

[0136] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the specified number N as instructed by the binding processing command (S1105). Then, based on the result that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the specified number N (S1105: No), the controller 100 executes the processing steps S1103 to S1104 again.

[0137] That is, each time the sheet P is placed on the inner tray 22 by passing through the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S1103 to S1104. However, it is not necessary to apply the liquid to all the sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb. As another example, the controller 100 may also cause the liquid application unit 31 to apply the liquid to the binding position B1 at an interval of one sheet out of n (n < N) sheets.

[0138] Then, based on the result that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches the specified number N as determined (S1105: Yes), as Figure 15 shown in (C), the controller 100 drives the first binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping part 32 faces the binding position B1 (S1106).

[0139] Next, the controller 100 causes the crimping part 32 to perform crimping binding on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (S1107). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor 32d to clamp the binding position B1 of the paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 between a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b and pressurize and deform it for binding. Then, the controller 100 discharges the paper bundle Pb crimped and bound by the conveying roller pair 15 to the discharge tray 26 (S1108). That is, the controller 100 discharges the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the conveying roller pair 15.

[0140] Then, as Figure 15 shown in (A), the controller 100 drives the first binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 to the first standby position HP1 (S1109).

[0141] As described above, when the number of binding sheets is a number suitable for the liquid application crimping binding process, the liquid application crimping binding process of S805 is executed.

[0142] As shown above, according to the present embodiment, if the liquid application crimping binding process can be performed on the specified number N, the switching can be automatically performed to execute the liquid application crimping binding process, otherwise the needle binding process is executed.

[0143] [Second Embodiment of the Processing Flow of the Media Processing Program in the Storage Medium]

[0144] Next, using Figure 16 and Figure 17A second embodiment of the processing flow executed by the media processing program in the storage medium according to the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment already described in that it does not automatically switch the type of binding process, but rather executes a binding process arbitrarily set by the user.

[0145] First, the image forming system 1 begins operation via user commands. The user operates (presses) on... Figure 1 The operation panel 110 displays buttons such as "Print Start" to issue the command to start the action. Additionally, the controller 100, before or after the action start command, sends a series of commands as part of the action start sequence. Figure 17 The example "Automatic Binding Processing Switching Setting Screen 1001" is displayed on the operation panel 110. The user can use the Automatic Binding Processing Switching Setting Screen 1001 to set the "binding processing instruction" together with the printing process (S1301). In step S1301, firstly, the user sets the automatic switching processing (ON or OFF) for the type of binding processing to be performed via the Automatic Binding Processing Switching Setting Screen 1001 displayed on the operation panel 110.

[0146] like Figure 17 As shown in (A), the automatic binding process switching setting screen 1001 displays a first selection button 1001A (ON button) and a second selection button 1001B (OFF button) for activating the automatic binding process switching function. Additionally, in the pop-up window of the automatic binding process switching setting screen 1001, a notification message 1001E is displayed, allowing the user to select whether to apply automatic switching between liquid-applied crimp binding and needle binding processes.

[0147] When the user selects the first selection button 1001A, the controller 100 stores "Auto Switch ON" as a "binding processing instruction" in the storage area. Additionally, when the user selects the second selection button 1001B ("Auto Switch OFF"), the controller 100 displays the following on the operation panel 110: Figure 17 (B) shows the "Binding Mode Selection Screen 1002". The Binding Mode Selection Screen 1002 displays a third selection button 1001C for selecting "Needle Binding (hereinafter referred to as "Needle Binding")" and a fourth selection button 1001D for selecting "Liquid-Applied Crimping Binding". The controller 100 stores the type of binding process corresponding to the selected button as a "Binding Processing Instruction" in the storage area.

[0148] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the "binding processing instruction" stored in the storage area is "automatic switching ON" (S1302). If the binding processing instruction is "automatic switching ON" (S1302: Yes), then the process proceeds to... Figure 11 The processing flow described in section S801 (S1306) is as follows.

[0149] If the "binding processing instruction" stored in the storage area is not "automatic switching ON" (S1302: No), then it is determined whether the "binding processing instruction" is "needle binding" (S1303). If the binding processing instruction is "needle binding" (S1303: Yes), then the controller 100 executes the needle binding process (S1304). The details of the needle binding process are the same as those described in the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0150] If the binding instruction is not "needle binding" (S1303: No), the controller 100 performs liquid-applied crimp binding processing (S1305). The details of the liquid-applied crimp binding processing are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0151] As described above, according to this embodiment, by any choice made by the user, and based on the appropriate selection of needle binding process and liquid-applied crimping binding process, the binding process most suitable to the user's requirements can be performed.

[0152] That is, the controller 100 and the operation panel 110 constitute the mode switching setting unit. Figure 17 (B)). Additionally, the controller 100 and the operation panel 110 constitute a switching confirmation unit for user confirmation of whether or not the type of binding process has been performed. Figure 17 (A)).

[0153] [Third embodiment of the processing flow of the media handling program in the storage medium]

[0154] Next, use Figure 18 The following flowchart illustrates a third embodiment of the processing flow executed by the media processing program in the storage medium according to the present invention. The processing functions described in the following flowchart are implemented by executing the media processing program in the storage medium within the controller 100.

[0155] In the processing involved in this embodiment, Figure 18 The processing steps S1501 to S1506 shown are the same as those in the first embodiment already described. Figure 11 The processing of S801 to S806 is the same, so detailed explanations are omitted and the differences are explained in detail.

[0156] In this embodiment, when the number of sheets N is not greater than the first threshold A (S1502: No) and the remaining amount of liquid in the storage tank 43 is not sufficient (S1504: No), the controller 100 performs a liquid replenishment selection process (S1507).

[0157] [Detailed fluid replenishment selection process (S1507)]

[0158] Next, use Figure 19 The flowchart below details the liquid replenishment selection process (S1507). First, as... Figure 20 As shown, the controller 100 displays a liquid replenishment / treatment selection screen 1003 on the operation panel 110.

[0159] like Figure 20 As shown, in the liquid replenishment / processing selection screen 1003, there is a notification message 1003C that notifies that the remaining liquid is insufficient and urges the replenishment of liquid, a fifth selection button 1003A for switching the binding process to "needle binding", and a sixth selection button 1003B for instructing the termination of the binding process.

[0160] After displaying the liquid replenishment / processing selection screen 1003 (S1601), it is determined whether sufficient liquid has been replenished to the storage tank 43 by detecting the liquid level sensor 43a (S1602), and it is monitored via the operation panel 110 whether the switch to "needle binding" or "absence" has been selected. When the liquid level is insufficient (S1602: No), the processing is cycled during the period when no selection operation is performed on the operation panel 110 (S1603: No, S1604: No).

[0161] When the liquid level is sufficient (S1602: Yes), the liquid replenishment / processing selection screen 1003 displayed on the operation panel 110 is cleared (S1605), and the processing is transferred to the liquid application crimping process (S1505). Alternatively, in S1605, the liquid replenishment / processing selection screen 1003 may not be cleared, and the process may proceed as follows: Figure 20 As shown, the reset button 1003D for resetting the liquid-applied crimping is displayed, and the process is switched to liquid-applied crimping process by the user selecting this button (S1506).

[0162] Before the water volume becomes sufficient (S1602: No), if "needle binding" is selected (S1603: Yes), after a notification indicating the selected needle binding content is displayed on the operation panel 110 (S1606), the processing is switched to needle binding processing (S1503).

[0163] If "stop" is selected before the water volume becomes sufficient (S1602: No) (S1604: Yes), a notification indicating the selected stop content is displayed on the operation panel 110 (S1607), and the process ends.

[0164] [Fourth embodiment of the processing flow of the media handling program in the storage medium]

[0165] Next, use Figure 21 The following flowchart illustrates a fourth embodiment of the processing flow executed by the media processing program in the storage medium according to the present invention. The processing functions described in the following flowchart are implemented by executing the media processing program in the storage medium within the controller 100.

[0166] In the processing involved in this embodiment, Figure 21 The processing steps S1801, S1803 to S1807 shown are the same as those in the first embodiment already described. Figure 11 The processing of S801 to S806 is the same, so detailed explanations are omitted and the differences are explained in detail.

[0167] In this embodiment, firstly, the operation of the image forming system 1 is started by the user's instruction, and the controller 100 obtains a binding processing instruction (S1801) containing information representing the binding processing content set by the user on the operation panel 110.

[0168] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the specified number of sheets N obtained in S1801 is greater than a preset second threshold B (S1802). The second threshold B is a parameter representing the upper limit of the number of sheets of paper P that can be bound by crimping without liquid application (hereinafter referred to as "crimping process"). That is, when the specified number of sheets N is greater than the second threshold B, needle binding or liquid-applied crimping is required, while when it is not greater than the second threshold B, the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb can be maintained even if crimping is performed on the paper bundle Pb without liquid application.

[0169] For example, in a crimping process where no liquid is applied, if the maximum number of sheets that can be crimped is 5 (second threshold B), it is determined whether the specified number of sheets N is 6 or more. Furthermore, the maximum number of sheets is set as an initial value. Then, as described later, this initial value can be arbitrarily set by the user via the operation panel 110, and can be appropriately changed according to the number of sheets that can be crimped in the first binding processing unit 25.

[0170] Furthermore, the second threshold B can also be set with multiple automatically adjusting thresholds based on information such as paper thickness, paper type, and binding position as specified in the binding processing instructions. For example, ... Figure 26As shown, when the paper type information is "not set (other than coated paper)," the controller 100 sets the second threshold B1, which is the maximum number of sheets for crimping and binding, to "5 sheets, 3 sheets, and 0 sheets" respectively, based on the paper thickness information "plain paper, medium-thick paper, and thick paper," and determines whether the specified number of sheets N is greater than the second threshold B1. Furthermore, when the paper type information is "coated paper," the controller 100 sets the second threshold B2, which is the maximum number of sheets for crimping and binding, to "0 sheets" regardless of the paper thickness, and determines that crimping and binding cannot be performed regardless of the specified number of sheets N.

[0171] When the specified number of sheets N is greater than the second threshold B (S1802: Yes), the controller 100 determines that the paper bundle Pb is the number of sheets that are difficult to bind in the crimping and binding process, and automatically switches to the process of selecting liquid to apply crimping and binding or needle binding.

[0172] When the specified number of sheets N is not greater than the second threshold B (below the second threshold B) (S1802: No), the controller 100 does not perform liquid application but only performs crimping and binding processing (S1808). Since the processing in S1808 is similar to the processing in S806 described in the first embodiment (see...), Figure 14 The process of applying liquid to the binding position of S1103 is the same as that in the original text, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0173] As described above, in this embodiment, all binding processes, including crimping, liquid-applied crimping, and needle binding, can be automatically selected (referred to as the "automatic binding process switching function"). However, the user can also individually set the type of binding process to be used by the automatic binding process switching function, and based on this setting, the user can select and use any type of binding process. For example, it is possible to select only crimping and needle binding, or only crimping and liquid-applied crimping, or only liquid-applied crimping and needle binding.

[0174] [Fifth embodiment of the processing flow of the media handling program in the storage medium]

[0175] Next, use Figure 23 The following flowchart illustrates a fifth embodiment of the processing flow executed by the media processing program in the storage medium according to the present invention. The processing functions described in the following flowchart are implemented by executing the media processing program in the storage medium within the controller 100.

[0176] This embodiment and Figure 21 Unlike the fourth embodiment described herein, this example does not automatically switch between binding processing types, but rather performs binding processing based on a binding mode arbitrarily set by the user. In the processing involved in this embodiment, Figure 23 The processing steps S2001 to S2003 shown are the same as those in the first embodiment already described. Figure 16 The processing of S1301, S1302, and S1306 is the same, so detailed explanations are omitted, and the differences are explained in detail.

[0177] When the user selected Figure 17 When the second selection button 1001B (“Automatic Switch OFF”) is shown, the controller 100 displays on the operation panel 110. Figure 24 The binding mode selection screen 1005 is shown. Users can select the binding mode through the binding mode selection screen 1005 (S2004).

[0178] like Figure 24 As shown, the binding mode selection screen 1005 displays a first selection button 1005A (crimp binding), a second selection button 1005B (liquid-applied crimp binding), and a third selection button 1005C (needle binding) for selecting the binding mode.

[0179] When the user selects any one of the first selection buttons 1005A to the third selection button 1005C, the controller 100 switches to the binding mode set corresponding to the selected first selection button 1005A to the third selection button 1005C. Then, the controller 100 performs the binding processing set corresponding to each binding mode in the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55.

[0180] When the user selects the first selection button 1005A, the controller 100 performs the crimping and binding process (S2005). Since the crimping and binding process is the same as the process described in S1807 in the fourth embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.

[0181] When the user selects the second selection button 1005B, the controller 100 executes the liquid-applying crimping process (S2006). Regarding the liquid-applying crimping process, since it is similar to that already described in the first embodiment... Figure 11 The processing is the same as that of S805, so detailed explanations are omitted.

[0182] When the user selects the third selection button 1005C, the controller 100 executes the pin-stitching process (S2007). Since the pin-stitching process is the same as described in the first embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.

[0183] As described above, according to this embodiment, by any choice made by the user, and based on the appropriate selection of crimping binding, liquid-applied crimping binding, and needle binding, the binding process most suitable to the user's requirements can be performed.

[0184] [Implementation of the Threshold Setting Screen]

[0185] Next, use Figure 22 To illustrate the first embodiment Figure 11 S802 in the third embodiment Figure 18 S1502 in the fourth embodiment Figure 21 The user interface involved in the threshold setting screen used in the S1802 and S1803 determination processes.

[0186] like Figure 22 As shown, in the maximum number of sheets setting screen 1004, a first threshold setting bar 1004B and a second threshold setting bar 1004C are displayed, along with the initial value of the first threshold number of sheets required for the liquid-applied crimping process (first binding process) and the initial value of the second threshold number of sheets required for the second threshold number of sheets required for the crimping process (third binding process). Additionally, a numeric keypad 1004A is also displayed.

[0187] When the specified values ​​are entered into each field via the numeric keypad 1004A and the setting button 1004D is pressed, the first threshold A and the second threshold B are temporarily stored in the storage area of ​​the controller 100.

[0188] The settings of the first threshold A and the second threshold B can be changed via the maximum number of sheets setting screen 1004. For example, let's explain the case where the setting value is changed to "10". In this case, first, the user touches the first threshold setting bar 1004B or the second threshold setting bar 1004C that displays the current number of sheets. Then, by operating the number key 1004A, the user presses the [1] key and then the [0] key, and then presses the [Enter] key to complete the input of the setting value.

[0189] When changing settings, the value being entered is always displayed in either the first threshold setting field 1004B or the second threshold setting field 1004C. If you press the [C] key while changing settings, the entered value is cleared, allowing you to enter the setting value again.

[0190] Based on the above, when a user desires a higher binding strength than the initial maximum number of sheets for liquid-applied crimping, setting the maximum number of sheets for liquid-applied crimping to a number less than the initial maximum number of sheets reduces the minimum number of sheets required for needle binding to achieve higher binding strength. Specifically, when the initial maximum number of sheets (first threshold A) for liquid-applied crimping is set to 15 sheets, liquid-applied crimping is performed when the number of sheets in the paper bundle Pb is less than 15, and needle binding is performed when the number of sheets in the paper bundle Pb is 16 or more. However, as described above, by changing the first threshold A to 10 sheets, even for a paper bundle Pb of 15 sheets that would normally undergo liquid-applied crimping, needle binding with higher binding strength than liquid-applied crimping can be performed.

[0191] In the user interface described above, the controller 100 displays a setting screen on the operation panel 110 and receives input to this setting screen for use in the aforementioned determination process. That is, the controller 100 and the operation panel 110 constitute a condition setting unit for setting switching conditions. Similarly, the controller 100 and the operation panel 110 constitute a threshold setting unit.

[0192] According to the above implementation method, the following effects can be achieved.

[0193] According to the above embodiments, by configuring the binding process to automatically switch between liquid-applied crimping and stitching after liquid application, the binding process can be performed more smoothly. Furthermore, according to the above embodiments, by configuring the binding process to automatically switch between liquid-applied crimping and stitching in accordance with information about the medium, such as paper type and paper thickness, the binding strength of the paper bundle can be reliably ensured.

[0194] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by switching the type of binding process when insufficient liquid is detected, binding can be carried out smoothly without interruption even when the liquid is insufficient.

[0195] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by disabling the automatic binding process switching function that automatically switches between different types of binding processes, the user can select the type of binding process they want to use.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments, by using an automatic binding process switching machine that allows users to select whether to use the type of binding process, it is possible to prevent switching to an unwanted type of binding process.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the above embodiments, by arbitrarily changing the setting of the number of binding sheets for automatic switching of binding processing, the type of binding processing can be changed to the optimal value based on the number of binding sheets used by the user.

[0198] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by switching between crimping and binding processes that do not involve liquid application, the user can adjust the binding strength by switching between the presence and absence of liquid application. Additionally, in binding processes with a small number of sheets, binding strength can be ensured without using the necessary liquid in the liquid-applied crimping and binding process.

[0199] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since the binding strength and the state of the paper binding section vary depending on the respective binding function, the user can individually set whether any binding function can be selected. In this case, during automatic selection, binding functions that are turned off (OFF) can be selected, but only binding functions that are turned on (ON) can be selected automatically. Then, a suitable binding function can be selected from the automatic selection objects based on predetermined conditions such as the number of sheets to be bound. As described above, by automatically switching and executing a suitable binding function corresponding to the number of sheets to be bound, the optimal type of binding processing can be selected based on the binding strength or the state of the paper.

[0200] Furthermore, according to the above embodiments, the threshold values ​​for various binding processes that are automatically switched via binding processing can be arbitrarily set according to the user's purpose or preferences.

[0201] [Second Implementation]

[0202] Next, refer to Figures 27-35 The post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, reference numerals are used for constituent elements common to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0203] The post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment differs from the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, which has both a liquid application section 31 and a crimping section 32, in that only the liquid application section 131 is provided on the upstream side of the transport path. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P can be pre-stacked after liquid application and transported to the crimping section 32 of the end binding processing section 25 provided on the downstream side, thereby improving the productivity of the binding process in the crimping section 32.

[0204] Furthermore, the direction in which the conveyor rollers convey paper P to 10, 11, and 14 is opposite to the "conveyor direction" defined above, and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveyor direction". Additionally, the direction perpendicular to both the reverse conveyor direction and the thickness direction of paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction".

[0205] Figure 27 The diagram shown is an internal structural diagram of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 28 As shown, the end-binding processing section 25 has a crimping section 32 and a pin-binding section 32'. Figure 28 As shown, the crimping part 32 and the pin-stitching part 32' are positioned downstream of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the crimping part 32 and the pin-stitching part 32' are configured to move along the main scanning direction from a position where they face each other at the downstream end of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. Further, the crimping part 32 and the pin-stitching part 32' are configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. That is, the crimping part 32 and the pin-stitching part 32' can be used for corner oblique stitching, parallel one-point stitching, parallel two-point stitching, etc., to stitch the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 at any angle in the main scanning direction at any position.

[0206] In addition, the crimping part 32 applies pressure to deform the paper bundle Pb by means of the concave and convex binding teeth 32a and 32b, and binds the paper bundle Pb by crimping. On the other hand, the pin-binding part 32' can perform pin binding on the paper bundle Pb by passing the binding pin through the crimping position of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0207] Figure 28 The diagram shows the inner tray 22 as seen from the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Figure 29 The diagram shows a schematic representation of the crimping portion 32 as seen from the downstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 28 As shown, the crimping part 32 and the needle-binding part 32' are disposed downstream of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping part 32 is configured to move along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction and to rotate about a rotation axis 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. Similarly, the needle-binding part 32' is configured to move in the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb and to rotate about a rotation axis 341 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. In addition, the other structures of the needle-binding part 32' are similar to those of the second binding processing part 55 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment (see reference). Figure 6 Since they are the same, detailed explanations are omitted.

[0208] More specifically, such as Figure 29As shown, a guide rail 337 is provided on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction, extending along the main scanning direction. The driving force of the pressing part moving motor 238 is transmitted to the pressing part 32 in the main scanning direction via a driving force transmission mechanism 51 (pulley or synchronous belt), causing the pressing part 32 to move along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 337). Furthermore, a pressing frame 32c, which holds the components of the pressing part 32, has a rotating shaft 340 fixed to its bottom surface. The rotating shaft 340 is rotatably held on a base member 48 on which the pressing frame 32c is provided. Then, by transmitting the driving force of the rotating motor 239 to the rotating shaft 340, the pressing part 32 rotates around the rotating shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22. The guide rail 337, the pressing part moving motor 238, the rotating motor 239, the rotating shaft 340, and the driving force transmission mechanism 51 constitute an example of the driving mechanism for the pressing part 32.

[0209] The crimping part 32 is configured to be able to Figure 28 The standby position HP shown in (A) and Figure 28 (B) and Figure 28 The position moves between the face-to-face positions shown in (C) for the crimping and binding position B1. The standby position HP is a position offset from one end of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The crimping and binding position B1 is the position on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. However, the specific position of the crimping and binding position B1 is not limited to... Figure 28 Examples can also be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction, and there can be multiple such positions.

[0210] In addition, the crimping part 32 is in Figure 28 The parallel binding posture shown in (B) and Figure 28 The binding posture changes (rotates) between the oblique binding postures shown in (C). The parallel binding posture is the posture where the long sides of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) face the main scanning direction of the crimping portion 32. The oblique binding posture is the posture where the long sides of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) are inclined towards the main scanning direction of the crimping portion 32.

[0211] Furthermore, the rotation angle in the oblique binding posture (the angle relative to the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b in the main scanning direction) is not limited to... Figure 28 In example (C), as long as a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b face each other on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, they can be at any angle.

[0212] The post-processing apparatus 3A includes a liquid supply section 131 and a punching and perforating section 132 (processing section). The liquid supply section 131 and the punching and perforating section 132 are positioned upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse conveying direction. Furthermore, the liquid supply section 131 and the punching and perforating section 132 are staggered in the reverse conveying direction at positions where they can simultaneously face a sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveyor roller pairs 10 to 19. In this embodiment, the liquid supply section 131 and the punching and perforating section 132 are positioned between the conveyor roller pairs 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid supply section 131 and the punching and perforating section 132 is not limited to this configuration. Figure 27 Examples. For example, such as Figure 35 As shown, when an inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3A, the liquid supply unit 131 can also be provided in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing apparatus 3A. Examples of inserters 6 include devices that can feed pre-printed media, along with paper P transported from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing apparatus 3A, as a cover, insert, or separator, without passing through the image forming apparatus 2.

[0213] In addition, such as Figure 30 As shown in (A), the transport roller pair 11 is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the paper P, which has been liquidated by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application section 131, in the main scanning direction. This is to prevent the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 from decreasing due to multiple roller pairs pressing the liquid application position B1 while the paper P is being transported by the transport roller pair 11. As a result, when the paper P reaches the crimping section 32, which is located on the downstream side of the reverse transport direction than the liquid application section 31, the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 is sufficient to maintain the amount of liquid required to maintain the binding strength, thus preventing a decrease in the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb caused by a decrease in the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 during transport.

[0214] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pair 11 in a position that does not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the multiple roller pairs and thus deteriorating the transportability of the paper P, or causing transport jams due to this reason. In addition, only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, but similarly, the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14 to 15 are preferably arranged in a position that does not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0215] The liquid application section 131 applies liquid (e.g., water) to the paper P conveyed by the transport rollers 10 and 11 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The punching section 132 punches through the paper P conveyed by the transport rollers 10 and 11 in the thickness direction. In addition, the processing section provided near the liquid application section 131 is not limited to the punching section 132, but may also be a tilt correction section that corrects the tilt (skew) of the paper P conveyed by the transport rollers 10 and 11.

[0216] Figure 30 The figure shown is a diagram of the liquid supply section 131 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the thickness direction of the paper P. Figure 31 What is shown is Figure 30 Sectional view in XXV-XXV. Figure 32 What is shown is Figure 30 Sectional views in XXVI-XXVI. For example... Figures 30-32 As shown, the liquid supply unit 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, a seamless annular belt 135 and 136, a liquid supply unit moving motor 137, a standby position sensor 138, and a liquid supply unit 140.

[0217] A pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are positioned separately in the reverse conveying direction and extend along the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported on a pair of side plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing unit 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b then support the liquid delivery unit 140 so that it can move along the main scanning direction.

[0218] A pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged between a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the reverse conveying direction. Furthermore, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged separately in the main scanning direction. Further, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are supported on the frame of the post-processing unit 3A in a manner that allows them to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0219] A seamless annular belt 135 is mounted on a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Furthermore, the seamless annular belt 135 is connected to the liquid application unit 140 via a connecting part 35a. A seamless annular belt 136 is mounted on pulley 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 137. The liquid application unit moving motor 137 generates a driving force for moving the liquid application unit 140 along the main scanning direction.

[0220] The seamless annular belt 136 rotates around the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, causing the pulley 134a to rotate. Simultaneously, the seamless annular belt 135 rotates around a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, caused by the rotation of the pulley 134a. Thus, the liquid application unit 140 moves along a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the liquid application unit motor 137, the liquid application unit 140 reciprocates along the main scanning direction.

[0221] The standby position sensor 138 detects the standby position of the liquid supply unit 140 in the main scanning direction and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100 (described later). Figure 33 The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. Then, the liquid supply unit 140 of the standby position blocks the light path between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. Then, the standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal when the light emitted from the light-emitting part is not received by the light-receiving part. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0222] like Figure 31 As shown, the transport path within the post-processing apparatus 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b, which are separately arranged in the thickness direction of the paper P. Then, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned facing the opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned facing the transport path (i.e., the position where it can face the paper P) through the opening in the upper guide plate 5a.

[0223] like Figures 30-32 As shown, the liquid supply unit 140 includes a base component 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a moving mechanism 144, a holding component 145, a liquid supply head 146, columnar components 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, helical springs 149a and 149b, a rotary motor 150, and a moving motor 151 (see reference). Figure 33 ), standby angle sensor 152 (reference) Figure 33 ).

[0224] The base component 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, allowing it to slide in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the base component 141 is connected to a seamless annular belt 135 via a connecting portion 35a. Further, the base component 141 supports the constituent parts 142 to 152 of the liquid application unit 140.

[0225] The rotating bracket 142 is supported on the lower surface of the base member 141 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the thickness direction of the paper P. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 rotates relative to the base member 141 by a driving force transmitted from the rotary motor 150. Further, the rotating bracket 142 supports the liquid reservoir 143, the moving mechanism 144, the holding member 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0226] The standby angle sensor 152 detects when the rotating bracket 142 reaches the standby angle and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100. The standby angle refers to, for example, the angle during parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. Then, the rotating bracket 142, representing the standby angle, blocks the light path between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. Then, the standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal if the light emitted from the light-emitting part is not received by the light-receiving part. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the example described above.

[0227] besides, Figure 30 The rotating bracket 142 shown in (A) indicates the state during parallel binding of the crimping part 32, which is located downstream of the liquid supply part 131. Furthermore, Figure 30 The rotating bracket 142 shown in (B) indicates the state when the crimping part 32, which is located downstream of the liquid supply part 131, is obliquely bound (corner binding).

[0228] The liquid reservoir 143 stores the liquid to be applied to the paper P. The moving mechanism 144 is supported by the liquid reservoir 143 and is movable (e.g., lifting) in the thickness direction of the paper P. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 144 moves relative to the liquid reservoir 143 by a driving force transmitted from the moving motor 151. A holding member 145 is mounted at the lower end of the moving mechanism 144. A liquid application head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 toward the transport path (below in this embodiment). Additionally, the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Further, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with high liquid absorption (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0229] The columnar components 147a and 147b protrude downward from the retaining member 145 around the liquid supply head 146. Furthermore, the columnar components 147a and 147b are configured to be movable relative to the retaining member 145 in the thickness direction. Further, the columnar components 147a and 147b hold a pressing plate 148 at their lower ends. A through-hole 148a is formed in the pressing plate 148 at a position facing the liquid supply head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are inserted externally into the columnar components 147a and 147b between the retaining member 145 and the pressing plate 148. Then, the coil springs 149a and 149b apply a downward force to the columnar components 147a and 147b and the pressing plate 148 relative to the retaining member 145.

[0230] like Figure 31 (A) and Figure 32 As shown in (A), before the paper P is conveyed to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is positioned at or above the opening. Then, when the liquid application position B1 of the paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 stops at the position facing the opening, the moving motor 151 rotates in the first direction. As a result, the moving mechanism 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b descend as a single unit, and the pressing plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P. Furthermore, the liquid application position B1 refers to the predetermined position (i.e., the crimping position) where the end-binding processing unit 25 performs crimping and binding.

[0231] Then, by causing the moving motor 151 to rotate in the first direction after the pressing plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P, the helical springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the moving mechanism 144, the holding member 145, the liquid supply head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b further descend. Then, as Figure 31 (B) and Figure 32 As shown in (B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 abuts against the paper P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid application head 146 is applied to the paper P.

[0232] Furthermore, such as Figure 31 (C) and Figure 32 As shown in (C), by further rotating the moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid application head 146 can be pressed more forcefully onto the paper P. This increases the amount of liquid applied to the paper P. In other words, the liquid application unit 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 on the paper P.

[0233] On the other hand, by rotating the moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the moving mechanism 144, the holding member 145, the liquid supply head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b rise together. Thus, as Figure 31 (A) and Figure 32 As shown in (A), the liquid application head 146 and the pressing plate 148 separate from the paper P. That is, the liquid application section 131 is equipped with a liquid application head 146 that can be separated from the paper P.

[0234] Figure 33 The diagram shows the hardware configuration of the control module that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Figure 33 As shown, the post-processing device 3A is configured to have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 and I / F 105 connected via a common bus 109.

[0235] CPU 101 is the computing unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing unit 3A. RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and serves as the working area for CPU 101 when processing information. ROM 103 is a dedicated non-volatile storage medium for reading, storing programs such as firmware. HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium with a large capacity capable of reading and writing information, and stores the OS (operating system), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0236] The post-processing device 3A uses the computing capabilities of the CPU 101 to process control programs stored in the ROM 103 and information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3A forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing device 3A. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103A, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0237] I / F105 is an interface connecting the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the pressing section moving motor 238, the rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid supply section moving motor 137, the rotating motor 150, the moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punching and through section 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 controls the operation of the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the pressing section moving motor 238, the rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid supply section moving motor 137, the rotating motor 150, the moving motor 151, and the punching and through section 132 via I / F105. Additionally, the controller 100 acquires detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105. Figure 33 Only the components that perform the end-binding process are shown in the figure, but they are also controlled by the controller 100, just like the components that perform the saddle-binding process.

[0238] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user. The operation unit may include, for example, hard keys or a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 110 then obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display.

[0239] Figure 34 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the post-processing process of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 34 Is execution Figure 15 The flowchart shown is for a binding process.

[0240] The controller 100 executes, for example, a post-processing execution instruction (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing instruction") acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. Figure 34 The post-processing is shown. Post-processing instructions include, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "specified number of sheets N"), the crimping position B1 (equivalent to the liquid application position B1) and the binding angle (equivalent to the liquid application angle), and an action to be performed in parallel with the liquid application (in this embodiment, punching). Additionally, at the start of post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is in the standby position HP (equivalent to...). Figure 15 (The position of HP in the standby position), the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle.

[0241] First, the controller 100 drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137, causing the liquid application unit 140 to move along the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 from the standby position HP to a position that is compatible with the liquid application position B1 (equivalent to...). Figure 15 The liquid application head 146 is positioned face-to-face with the liquid application position B1. Furthermore, the controller 100 drives the rotary motor 150 to rotate the rotary bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application head 146 from the standby angle to the liquid application angle (S3401). The position where the liquid application head 146 reaches face-to-face with the liquid application position B1 and the liquid application angle can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application section movement motor 137 and the rotary motor 150.

[0242] Additionally, the controller 100 drives the pressing part to move the motor 238, such as... Figure 28 As shown in (A) and (B), the crimping part 32 is moved from the standby position HP to a position where it faces the crimping and binding position B1 (S3401). Additionally, the controller 100 rotates the crimping part 32 from the standby angle to the crimping and binding angle by driving the rotary motor 239 (S3401). The position where the crimping part 32 faces the crimping and binding position B1 and the crimping and binding angle can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping part movement motor 238 and the rotary motor 239.

[0243] Next, the controller 100 starts conveying the paper P, whose image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, by driving the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 (S3402). The controller 100 continues to drive the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 until the liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S3403: No). Then, the controller 100 stops the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 according to the situation where the liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application head 146 (S3403: Yes) (S3404). The situation where the liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application head 146 can be determined by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the motor driving the conveyor rollers 10 and 11.

[0244] The controller 100 performs in parallel the processes of applying liquid to the liquid application position B1 of the paper P via the liquid application section 131 and the process of punching a hole in the paper P via the punching section 132 (S3405). More specifically, the controller 100 causes the liquid application head 146 to come into contact with the liquid application position B1 of the paper P by rotating the moving motor 151 in a first direction. In addition, the controller 100 changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the rotation amount of the moving motor 151) according to the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0245] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P can be the same for all the paper Ps constituting the paper bundle Pb, or it can vary depending on the paper P. For example, the controller 100 can reduce the amount of liquid applied to the paper P that is fed later in the flow. In addition, the rotation of the moving motor 151 can be controlled by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the moving motor 151.

[0246] Next, the controller 100 loads the paper P onto the inner tray 22 by driving the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 (S3406). In addition, the controller 100 aligns the paper bundle Pb loaded on the inner tray 22 with the position of the main scanning direction by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R (so-called alignment).

[0247] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the specified number N indicated by the post-processing instruction (S3407). Then, based on the result that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the specified number N (S3407: No), the controller 100 executes the processing steps S3402 to S3406 again.

[0248] Then, based on the determination that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S3407: Yes), the controller 100 causes the paper bundle Pb, which has been supplied with liquid by the liquid supply unit 131, to be crimped and bound at the crimping unit 32 at the crimping and binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid supply position B1). Further, the controller 100 discharges the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the conveyor roller pair 15 (S3408). Then, the controller 100 drives the liquid supply unit moving motor 137 to move the liquid supply unit 131 to the standby position HP, and simultaneously drives the crimping unit moving motor 238 to move the crimping unit 32 to the standby position HP.

[0249] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the end-binding processing unit 25 that performs end-binding processing, but also to the saddle-binding processing unit 28 that performs saddle-binding processing.

[0250] Furthermore, the control method of the controller 100 described above is implemented through the cooperation of computer hardware resources and a computer software program stored in a storage medium. That is, the control method is executed by a computer to coordinate the operation of a computing device, a storage device, an input device, an output device, and a control device based on the program in the storage medium. Alternatively, the program in the storage medium can be written into a storage device or storage medium for distribution, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0251] The present invention can be described as follows.

[0252] <1> A media processing apparatus includes: a liquid supply unit for supplying liquid at a liquid supply position on at least one medium; a crimping unit for crimping at least a portion of a plurality of media, including at least one of the liquid-supplied media, having been liquid-supplied by the liquid supply unit; a needle-binding unit for binding a media bundle consisting of the plurality of media using a needle; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the crimping unit, the liquid supply unit, and the needle-binding unit, characterized in that the control unit selectively switches between a first binding process performed by the liquid supply unit and the crimping unit, and a second binding process performed only by the needle-binding unit, based on information about the medium or the binding position of the media bundle bound by the crimping unit.

[0253] <2> According to the above <1> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: when the information of the medium is less than a first threshold number of sheets, the control unit performs the first binding process; when the information of the medium is greater than the first threshold number of sheets, the control unit performs the second binding process.

[0254] <3> According to the above <1> or the aforementioned <2> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: when the information of the media is less than or equal to a second threshold number of sheets (less than the first threshold number of sheets), the control unit performs a third binding process performed only by the crimping unit.

[0255] <4> According to the above <1> To the above <3> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the media processing apparatus has a threshold setting unit in which a user can arbitrarily set the first threshold number of sheets and a second threshold number of sheets that is less than the first threshold number of sheets.

[0256] <5> According to the above <1> To the above <4> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the media processing apparatus includes a switching confirmation unit that allows the user to confirm whether a switching has been performed when switching between the first binding process and the second binding process.

[0257] <6> According to the above <1> To the above <5> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the user can select the binding process performed by the first binding process and the second binding process.

[0258] <7> According to the above <3> To the above <6> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: it includes a liquid quantity detection unit to detect the remaining amount of liquid used in the liquid supply, and the control unit performs the second binding process or the third binding process when the remaining amount of liquid is insufficient for the number of sheets of media constituting the media bundle.

[0259] <8> According to the above <1> To the above <7> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: when an abnormality occurs in the liquid supply section, the control section performs the second binding process or the third binding process.

[0260] <9> According to the above <1> To the above <8> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the information of the media is at least one of the number of media sheets constituting the media bundle, the thickness of the media, and the type of the media.

[0261] <10> According to the above <1> To the above <9> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the binding position is a corner of the media bundle or an end along any side of the media bundle.

[0262] <11> An image forming system is characterized by comprising: an image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a medium, and a binding mechanism for binding a medium bundle consisting of the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. <1> To the above <10> The media processing apparatus described in any one of the following.

[0263] <12> A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: by means of the program stored in the medium... <1> To the above <10> The control unit of any one of the media processing devices executes a program stored in the storage medium to activate the crimping unit, the liquid supply unit, and the needle binding unit.

[0264] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the examples above. Various modifications can be made without departing from its technical spirit, and all technical matters encompassed in the technical concept set forth in the claims are subject to this invention. Although the above embodiments show preferred examples, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications based on the disclosure. These modifications are also included within the technical scope set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus, comprising: The liquid application section applies liquid at at least one liquid application position on a medium. The crimping part is used to press and deform at least a portion of the media containing at least one sheet of the medium having been supplied with liquid by the liquid supply part for binding. The needle-binding section uses needles to bind a bundle of media consisting of multiple media. The liquid volume detection unit detects the remaining amount of liquid used in the liquid supply; and The control unit controls the operation of the crimping part, the liquid supply part, and the needle attachment part. The characteristic is that, based on information about the medium or the binding position of the medium bundle bound by the crimping part, the control unit selectively switches between a first binding process performed by the liquid supply part and the crimping part, and a second binding process performed only by the needle binding part. When the remaining liquid amount is insufficient for the number of sheets of medium constituting the medium bundle, the control unit performs the second binding process.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the information on the medium is less than a first threshold number of sheets, the control unit performs the first binding process; when the information on the medium is greater than the first threshold number of sheets, it performs the second binding process.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the information of the medium is less than a second threshold number of sheets than the first threshold number of sheets, the control unit performs a third binding process performed only by the crimping unit.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The media processing device has a threshold setting unit that allows the user to arbitrarily set the first threshold number of sheets and a second threshold number of sheets that is less than the first threshold number of sheets.

5. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The media processing device includes a switching confirmation unit that allows the user to confirm whether a switching has been performed when switching between the first binding process and the second binding process.

6. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: Users can choose between the first binding process and the second binding process for binding.

7. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: When an abnormality occurs in the liquid supply section, the control section performs the second binding process or the third binding process.

8. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The information about the medium is at least one of the following: the number of media sheets constituting the media bundle, the thickness of the media, and the type of the media.

9. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The binding position is either at a corner of the media bundle or at the end of any side of the media bundle.

10. An image forming system, characterized in that... include: An image forming apparatus having an image forming section for forming an image on a medium, and The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, which performs a binding operation on a bundle of media in which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

11. A storage medium storing a medium processing program, characterized in that: The crimping section, liquid supply section, and needle binding section are activated by executing a program stored in the storage medium in the control unit of the media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images